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Then came the day he was invited to the estate of the Hamato Clan, and his entire life turned upside down.", "count": "16", "submission_left_submission_id": "2229990", "submission_left_file_name": "3241635_Sundayeyes_bell_flowers_3.doc", "submission_right_submission_id": "2230001", "submission_right_file_name": "3241652_Sundayeyes_bell_flowers_5.doc" } ], "description": "Michelangelo had never been known to stay in one place for very long. Taverns and street corners were his hearth and home, because roots can?t take hold if you just keep moving, and why would anyone want to sink into the ground so deep that you got stuck?\n\nThey were smart words to live by and had done a good job of keeping him happy enough. At least until the day he was invited to the sprawling estate of the Hamato Clan, and his entire life was turned upside down.\n\nAlternate Universe, AU\nPairings: Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Donatello\n\n~*~*~*~\n[url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2229990]<--- Chapter Three[/url] __//__ [url=https://inkbunny.net/s/2230001]Chapter Five --->[/url]\n~*~*~*~", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Michelangelo had never been known to stay in one place for very long. Taverns and street corners were his hearth and home, because roots can?t take hold if you just keep moving, and why would anyone want to sink into the ground so deep that you got stuck?

They were smart words to live by and had done a good job of keeping him happy enough. At least until the day he was invited to the sprawling estate of the Hamato Clan, and his entire life was turned upside down.

Alternate Universe, AU
Pairings: Leonardo/Michelangelo, Raphael/Donatello

~*~*~*~
<--- Chapter Three __//__ Chapter Five --->
~*~*~*~", "writing": "[center]~*~*~*~\n\nChapter Four: A Safe Place to Land\n\n~*~*~*~[/center]\n\nMichelangelo was pacing. It was a bad habit he fell back on when he was agitated, and he knew it wasn't productive. His one-time mentor had taught him that a calm collected mind could puzzle through any problem if he would just take the time to balance his energy, so he stopped next to the bird bath, using the gentle gurgle of the fountain to focus his thoughts, he slowed his breathing.\n\nIn and out. One two three four, four three two one. In and out.\n\nHis first instincts had always been to run, to avoid a problem by escaping it rather than facing and solving it. It was easier that way. For a long time, he had been convinced that he could only count on himself, that being connected to another person meant being vulnerable, and vulnerability was a weakness.\n\nWhen that band of rogues had come into his life, their leader helped him see that there was more to life than the way he lived it. It was the hardest thing he had ever been faced with when they ultimately betrayed him, but that was life, and he had been expecting it anyway.\n\nAnd the things he learned from them were useful, even if most of the time it was still his basic impulse to run.\n\nSo why was he still here? He had no connection to this place. These people were not his responsibility. He was being manipulated even if that wasn't their intention, so it would mean nothing if he walked out that door and left right now.\n\nIt could only improve his life; he was sure of it.\n\nSo then why did he feel so wretched at the thought of it?\n\nWhy did he keep going back and forth with himself about this? And what was that warmth in his chest that felt like something important was changing his view of the world.\n\nHe needed to stop going around in circles, he kept convincing himself of one thing before doubt took over and changed his mind, he needed a distraction.\n\nStepping inside the bedroom he grabbed his case and retreated back into the garden, quickly taking his guitar and strumming nonsense melodies. With his eyes closed he could feel the music washing over him, the sound and the vibrations of his instrument grounding him, until his mind was soothed enough that he could breathe again.\n\nEventually he looked up to find Donatello watching him quietly. The steward was holding a large tray of food with a serene smile on his face.\n\n\"You play beautifully.'' He said when the music finally faded away.\n\nDon was relaxed in a satisfied, secret way and Mikey thought that the afterglow suffusing his olive skin really suited him. Happiness suited him.\n\nAnd just like that he made his choice, blinking through the revelation as he realized that he actually liked Donatello. Even with all this hanging over his head and the expectation of what they wanted him to do, he felt like he would be losing something important if he couldn't call Don his friend.\n\nIt was something he'd never really felt before.\n\nHe took a breath and noticed for the first time the deep chocolate color of Donnie's eyes, rich and sweet and deserving of all the happiness in the world, and decided that if he could do only one thing right in his entire life, it would be to make sure that Donatello was free to look that happy every moment of every day.\n\nHe would stay so that he could find a way to make that happen.\n\nHe didn't know about Leonardo, that was a mountain that he just wasn't equipped to climb yet. But he wanted to help Don in any way that he could, he felt the need of it tugging at his heart, and he couldn't do that if he ran away.\n\nSmiling warmly, he put away his guitar and moved to relieve Don of the tray, but the steward just shook his head and moved to set their breakfast down on the marble table.\n\nMikey huffed, \"You know, I'm really not used to people waiting on me. Isn't that heavy?''\n\nDon laughed, \"Servant, remember? Carrying things is kind of my job.'' He uncovered plates piled high with eggs and fruit and poured steaming hot tea into small cups. \"I thought we might have breakfast together. Leonardo and Raphael have taken a unit of men up onto the mountain for a training exercise today and won't be back until after sunset, so I'm free until they return. Is there anything you think you might like to do? There's so much I haven't shown you yet. Do you like to read? The library here is astounding, they have so many books I never even knew existed...''\n\nDon prattled on about all the estate had to offer while they ate. He turned out to be as easy to talk to as Leo had been and Mikey was just as grateful that he seemed to be keeping the conversation to neutral topics.\n\nBut even as he noticed it, a thought was tickling at the back of his mind. His experiences with the more transient underbelly of life outside of the estate had given him a decent understanding of how nobles worked. When they needed information they rarely just came out and asked for it. Usually they would send workers or servants to pick up the gossip they needed to be able to play in the world of intrigue that they lived in.\n\nIt made sense that Donatello would be the one that the Hamato family would send to wring out his secrets so that they would know what to expect from him.\n\nBut he wasn't doing that. In fact, it seemed like he was purposefully avoiding any topics about Mikey and who he was. It was nice, but it was also making him a little suspicious.\n\n\"Why haven't you asked me anything about my past?'' Mikey blurted out, silencing Don mid word, the question surprising them both.\n\n\"It's not any of my business,'' Don answered simply. \"If you were a danger to the clan, well, that's Leo and Raph's responsibility. My job is to make sure you're comfortable here.''\n\n\"And that's all I am? Just a job?'' He could hear how desperate he sounded, but having been burned before, he suddenly needed to know how Don truly viewed him.\n\nThe olive turtle considered him for a moment, a sympathetic frown creasing his brow. \"No, not just a job.''\n\nMaybe he could see the relief in Mikey's eyes because a slow mischievous grin was starting to light up his face. \"You know what? I have an idea.'' Mikey watched, curious, as he got up and disappeared into the bathing room, reappearing a second later with his arms full of fluffy towels. \"Come on. I think you'll like this.''\n\nThe pair moved quickly through the gardens to the very back of the estate where a sheer cliff face made up a natural section of the perimeter wall, cascading down the front of the cliff was a massive waterfall ending in a sparkling pool dotted with large rocks to sun on and splashes of color from delicate floating water lilies. But the best part was, carved into the rock of the cliff, smoothed and polished like marble, was a twisting slide that dipped in and out of the falling water from the top of the cliff all the way down to the pool.\n\nMikey stared in delight, eyes darting back and forth between Don and the water with a childlike grin.\n\nDon was beaming, \"I thought this would be right up your alley. It's going to be a beautiful day, nice and warm, and you and I have nowhere else we need to be.''\n\nMikey almost squealed, divesting himself of his tunic as quickly as he could without tearing through the toggles. The second it was off he took a running leap at the pool and dove in, splashing a wave that almost reached Don where he stood laughing on the shore.\n\nDon put down the towels where they would stay dry and went to a small wooden storage box set off to one side of the pool, opening it and pulling out a strange looking device. Mikey swam over and peered up at him from the edge, trying to figure out what he was holding.\n\nIt was a board of wood, not much wider than his feet, with two small steel spheres somehow attached to the bottom at the front and back. As he watched, Don pressed down on the back lip and some sort of long handle sprang up from a recess along the top of the board that he snapped into place with a metal clip.\n\nMikey climbed out of the water as Don held the contraption out to him, motioning up at the cliff. ``I designed this, so the spheres fit into the curve of the slide. It makes the trip down a little more stable, and I like to think a bit more fun. You stand on the board instead of flailing around on your shell.''\n\n\"You made this?'' He said, taking it from Don with wonder.\n\nDon just nodded, a modest smile curving his lips. \"In my spare time. I see things around the estate that can be improved and, when an idea comes to me, I just... figure out how to make it work. The blacksmith humors me, but I think he likes it because it gives him something else to do that isn't just making armor and weapons.''\n\nMikey was only half listening, his excited grin taking up half of his face, \"I'll let you know how it works!'' He yelled over his shoulder as he ran to the rope ladder that led up to the top of the cliff.\n\nFor the rest of the morning, over and over again, he slid down into the pool on that board with elated glee. This was like nothing he had ever done before, and never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined anything so fun in the whole world.\n\nBy midday they were laid out on a particularly large rock in the center of the pool, sunning and dozing in the warmth, and Mikey was finding that he enjoyed Don's company even more than he thought he would. They played off each other's personalities with ease. Donnie's humor was clever in a book smart sort of way, that had Mikey rolling with laughter more than once.\n\nWhen servants appeared with trays of food, they swam back to shore and devoured the meal, their appetites worked up from all the exercise. Laying back when they were done on a soft blanket, in the shade of a tall cherry tree, content to just rest quietly together. Maybe Don was only doing this for Leo's benefit, maybe not, but Mikey decided that whatever it was, was good enough.\n\nAnd that's when he had the thought that friends were supposed to be open and honest with each other. Not that he knew a lot about what that was like but, if he was going to help, then he needed more information anyway.\n\n\"Donnie?'' Mikey said, not sure how to begin. \"There's something I need to tell you.''\n\nDonatello looked curious. \"What is it?''\n\n\"Don't freak out but, when I woke up this morning, it was early, and I knew no one would be looking for me, so... I snuck out to explore the gardens. I'm sorry, I know you said I couldn't go without permission, but I was bored, and... I ended up in the hedge maze... just before dawn.''\n\nThe color drained from Donatello's face as his eyes widened and he grew very still. \"What did you see?'' He choked out in an almost silent whisper.\n\n\"You and Raphael, together.'' Mikey said with determination, \"But, I was only there at the beginning, I left before... anything...'' he quickly added, wanting to reassure Don that he wasn't a creep. \"My point is what I did see between the two of you was so... I don't know... real? Maybe that's not the right word, but you should be able to be together. I want to help.''\n\nTears were gathering in Don's eyes and he sniffed, quickly looking around to make sure they were alone, even though of course they were, and the sound from the waterfall muffled their voices so even if someone was near, their conversation wouldn't be overheard.\n\nStill, Don grew agitated, rising to his feet with a frown. He paced a little, his arms wrapping around his middle. Finally, he stopped and looked desperately at Mikey, pleading with his eyes, \"You can't tell anyone about what you saw.''\n\n\"I know.'' Mikey quickly asserted, rising to his feet as well.\n\n\"We always try to be so careful...'' A small bit of anger seemed to flash in Don's eyes. \"But it's been so long since the last time we were able to sneak away like that.''\n\n\"It's ok, Donnie, I won't say anything to anyone. But what can I do? There has to be something I can do. If Leo and I...''\n\nHe started to say it automatically, wanting only to calm his friend without really thinking about the consequences of the statement. But before he could finish the sentence, Don turned on him with a look so piercing that his voice died in his throat.\n\n\"No!'' He ground out through his teeth, stalking over to Mikey and grabbing both of his arms, squeezing them tightly. \"No, Michelangelo look at me. You cannot bond with Leo for my sake or Raph's. Do you understand? We won't let you do that.''\n\n\"But Don, you...''\n\n\"No, Mikey!'' His voice was emphatic and undeniable even as it shook. \"No.''\n\n\"Ok. Ok, Donnie...'' Mikey whispered, \"I'm sorry.... but what can I do?''\n\nDonatello sighed and let go of Mikey's arms, walking over and dropping back to the blanket. \"You don't have to do anything, just... maybe just, give Leo a chance. Get to know him and see if maybe... but you need to do it for you. It has to be what you want.''\n\nDon rubbed his face, releasing a frustrated growl into his fingers. \"And don't think that we haven't had this same conversation with Leo a million times already. He means everything to Raphael and me and we will never allow him to sacrifice his happiness for our sake, no matter how long it takes.''\n\nMikey walked over and sank down to his knees next to Don, curious at the statement. \"Would he... do that?''\n\n\"Yes.'' Don said with laughing conviction. \"Leonardo is far too selfless for his own good. We've had to stop him three separate times from sealing bonds with people he had only just met because he wanted 'to do the right thing' for us. Raph lives in constant fear that one day he won't be able to stop Leo before he 'does somethin' stupid' as he loves to say.''\n\nDon's voice dipped down into a perfect imitation of Raphael and Mikey would have laughed if the conversation hadn't turned so serious.\n\n\"Raphael and I are fine.'' Don finally said. \"Nothing can break what we have together. All we want is for Leo to be able to know love the same as we do.''\n\n\"Now who's being selfless?'' Mikey chuckled. And Don laughed, and sniffed, and gave him a thankful grin.\n\nThen Mikey wondered, \"Maybe this is a stupid question but, have you tried... talking to Lord Hamato? I can't see how anyone who sees the two of you together could say no. I mean, what's the worst he can do?''\n\n\"Banish me.'' Donatello whispered, looking down at his hands twisting in his lap. \"Raphael has tried to speak to his father about his stance on this. It quickly turns into a shouting match with Lord Hamato insisting that Raph, that both of them, need to focus on their duties and not let anything distract them from their responsibilities to the clan. The argument always ends with him making the threat that should Raph defy his order then he would remove the distraction from the estate without hesitation.''\n\n\"That's... harsh.'' Mikey said.\n\n\"I will not be separated from him.'' Don said with resolve.\n\n\"And you shouldn't have to be!'' Mikey insisted. \"But this doesn't make any sense. If he's trying to keep them focused on the clan, then why am I here?''\n\n\"I don't know...'' Donatello sighed with exasperation. \"I wish I did. Lord Hamato is... a complicated man with a tragic past, and I think that influences his actions a lot more than even Raph and Leo realize.\n\n\"What could be so tragic that he would block his own son's happiness like this?'' Mikey asked.\n\nDon took a deep breath and heavily sighed, looking like he hadn't expected to have this conversation so soon, but was resigned to it anyway. He stood and motioned for Mikey to follow him.\n\nThe garden cove with the waterfall pool was located on a natural terrace set into the side of the mountain and Don brought them to the western side of the clearing where there was a break in the tall hedges that enclosed the glade for privacy. There they sat on a small marble bench that overlooked a sprawling, brightly colored garden filled with Ume trees and towering sunflowers. A delicate stone path twisted through a blanket of vibrant blue morning glory and warm magenta carnations, dotted here and there with patches of tall lavender swaying side to side in the breeze.\n\n\"Do you see her, there?'' Don asked, pointing down into the garden.\n\nIt was impossible to miss her. The gleaming marble statue dominated the space and was obviously tenderly cared for. Not a single flower or leaf surrounding her plinth was out of place, and she was radiant in the sun. A young woman standing graceful in an elegant, intricately detailed kimono, with a delicate parasol resting against her polished shoulder.\n\n\"Her name was Tang Shen,'' Don began in a sad voice, \"And she was beautiful and clever and Hamato Yoshi fell in love with her the instant their eyes met. When their bonding was sealed it is said that the entire estate glowed with the power of their love.''\n\nMikey could already tell this was not going to be a happy story, but he asked anyway. \"What happened to her?''\n\n\"Not long after their bonding they learned that she was carrying their first child. They were incredibly happy, and she immediately expressed her desire to travel to her family's village to tell her parents herself, she wanted to see their joy.\n\nLord Hamato didn't want her to go as there were rumors that bandits had taken control of the pass through the mountains and he couldn't go with her as he was hosting negotiations between two rival clans at the time. But she insisted, reassuring him that she would take her elite guard with her and would be perfectly safe. He reluctantly agreed, sending word ahead to her family that she would be coming and sent her off the next morning.''\n\n\"Did the bandits...?'' Mikey asked with apprehension.\n\n\"No. It wasn't the bandits. An unexpected storm suddenly rolled over the mountain and a flash flood tore through the canyon she was crossing through. When she didn't arrive at her family home that evening her father sent out a search party. They found her trapped within the remains of the carriage, the guard unit accompanying her had been completely swept away.\n\nWhen Lord Hamato finally learned what had happened they say his anguished cry was enough to break every heart within ten miles of the estate. He locked himself behind these walls and refused to leave for almost ten years. He blamed himself for her death and grew bitter and angry and withdrawn, and I don't believe that even adopting Leonardo and Raphael has ever eased his suffering.''\n\n\"That's terrible.'' Mikey said softly, staring down at the statue.\n\n\"In a way, I understand him. When I first met Raphael, it was like... I was feeling the warmth of the sun for the first time. To exist in this world without him would be pain beyond anything I can imagine, and we aren't even bonded.''\n\nDon looked over at Mikey with an almost defeated smile, like he expected this limbo he existed in to be the rest of his life.\n\nMikey frowned in frustration, shaking his head. \"I'm going to figure this out, Donnie. I promise you that.''\n\nConcern gathered in those dark brown eyes, \"We are not your responsibility, Michelangelo. None of this is.''\n\n\"Maybe not,'' Mikey said, shrugging his shoulders. \"But I'm involved now. I don't usually face problems head on like this, and maybe it helps that it's not actually my problem to deal with. Maybe...'' He looked at Donatello with a conviction he had never felt before, understanding washing over him like a wave. \"Maybe, I'm here to learn how to stop running. Maybe helping you and Raph and Leo is what I need to teach me... how to stay in one place.''\n\nHe offered a smile that might have looked more confident then he felt, but it seemed to soothe Don's agitation because the olive turtle reached out and grasped his fingers tightly, giving them a grateful squeeze.\n\n\"You're a good person, Mikey. And maybe you're right. I don't know if anything will change, but, for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here.''\n\nA feeling of comfort spread through Mikey that he hadn't felt since he was small, and his grandmother would hold him close against her and sing her soft songs in his ear.\n\nFully committing to this chosen path, Mikey stood with an energized bounce to his step, gabbing Don and pulling him to his feet. \"Come on, Donnie! The day is young, and the fun isn't over yet!''\n\nThe weight of this place and what it was turning out to be was still heavy, but there was joy here too, if he looked hard enough, and he was determined to find a way for everyone to bask in it.\n\n[center]~*~*~*~\n\ntbc...[/center]", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
~*~*~*~

Chapter Four: A Safe Place to Land

~*~*~*~


Michelangelo was pacing. It was a bad habit he fell back on when he was agitated, and he knew it wasn't productive. His one-time mentor had taught him that a calm collected mind could puzzle through any problem if he would just take the time to balance his energy, so he stopped next to the bird bath, using the gentle gurgle of the fountain to focus his thoughts, he slowed his breathing.

In and out. One two three four, four three two one. In and out.

His first instincts had always been to run, to avoid a problem by escaping it rather than facing and solving it. It was easier that way. For a long time, he had been convinced that he could only count on himself, that being connected to another person meant being vulnerable, and vulnerability was a weakness.

When that band of rogues had come into his life, their leader helped him see that there was more to life than the way he lived it. It was the hardest thing he had ever been faced with when they ultimately betrayed him, but that was life, and he had been expecting it anyway.

And the things he learned from them were useful, even if most of the time it was still his basic impulse to run.

So why was he still here? He had no connection to this place. These people were not his responsibility. He was being manipulated even if that wasn't their intention, so it would mean nothing if he walked out that door and left right now.

It could only improve his life; he was sure of it.

So then why did he feel so wretched at the thought of it?

Why did he keep going back and forth with himself about this? And what was that warmth in his chest that felt like something important was changing his view of the world.

He needed to stop going around in circles, he kept convincing himself of one thing before doubt took over and changed his mind, he needed a distraction.

Stepping inside the bedroom he grabbed his case and retreated back into the garden, quickly taking his guitar and strumming nonsense melodies. With his eyes closed he could feel the music washing over him, the sound and the vibrations of his instrument grounding him, until his mind was soothed enough that he could breathe again.

Eventually he looked up to find Donatello watching him quietly. The steward was holding a large tray of food with a serene smile on his face.

"You play beautifully.'' He said when the music finally faded away.

Don was relaxed in a satisfied, secret way and Mikey thought that the afterglow suffusing his olive skin really suited him. Happiness suited him.

And just like that he made his choice, blinking through the revelation as he realized that he actually liked Donatello. Even with all this hanging over his head and the expectation of what they wanted him to do, he felt like he would be losing something important if he couldn't call Don his friend.

It was something he'd never really felt before.

He took a breath and noticed for the first time the deep chocolate color of Donnie's eyes, rich and sweet and deserving of all the happiness in the world, and decided that if he could do only one thing right in his entire life, it would be to make sure that Donatello was free to look that happy every moment of every day.

He would stay so that he could find a way to make that happen.

He didn't know about Leonardo, that was a mountain that he just wasn't equipped to climb yet. But he wanted to help Don in any way that he could, he felt the need of it tugging at his heart, and he couldn't do that if he ran away.

Smiling warmly, he put away his guitar and moved to relieve Don of the tray, but the steward just shook his head and moved to set their breakfast down on the marble table.

Mikey huffed, "You know, I'm really not used to people waiting on me. Isn't that heavy?''

Don laughed, "Servant, remember? Carrying things is kind of my job.'' He uncovered plates piled high with eggs and fruit and poured steaming hot tea into small cups. "I thought we might have breakfast together. Leonardo and Raphael have taken a unit of men up onto the mountain for a training exercise today and won't be back until after sunset, so I'm free until they return. Is there anything you think you might like to do? There's so much I haven't shown you yet. Do you like to read? The library here is astounding, they have so many books I never even knew existed...''

Don prattled on about all the estate had to offer while they ate. He turned out to be as easy to talk to as Leo had been and Mikey was just as grateful that he seemed to be keeping the conversation to neutral topics.

But even as he noticed it, a thought was tickling at the back of his mind. His experiences with the more transient underbelly of life outside of the estate had given him a decent understanding of how nobles worked. When they needed information they rarely just came out and asked for it. Usually they would send workers or servants to pick up the gossip they needed to be able to play in the world of intrigue that they lived in.

It made sense that Donatello would be the one that the Hamato family would send to wring out his secrets so that they would know what to expect from him.

But he wasn't doing that. In fact, it seemed like he was purposefully avoiding any topics about Mikey and who he was. It was nice, but it was also making him a little suspicious.

"Why haven't you asked me anything about my past?'' Mikey blurted out, silencing Don mid word, the question surprising them both.

"It's not any of my business,'' Don answered simply. "If you were a danger to the clan, well, that's Leo and Raph's responsibility. My job is to make sure you're comfortable here.''

"And that's all I am? Just a job?'' He could hear how desperate he sounded, but having been burned before, he suddenly needed to know how Don truly viewed him.

The olive turtle considered him for a moment, a sympathetic frown creasing his brow. "No, not just a job.''

Maybe he could see the relief in Mikey's eyes because a slow mischievous grin was starting to light up his face. "You know what? I have an idea.'' Mikey watched, curious, as he got up and disappeared into the bathing room, reappearing a second later with his arms full of fluffy towels. "Come on. I think you'll like this.''

The pair moved quickly through the gardens to the very back of the estate where a sheer cliff face made up a natural section of the perimeter wall, cascading down the front of the cliff was a massive waterfall ending in a sparkling pool dotted with large rocks to sun on and splashes of color from delicate floating water lilies. But the best part was, carved into the rock of the cliff, smoothed and polished like marble, was a twisting slide that dipped in and out of the falling water from the top of the cliff all the way down to the pool.

Mikey stared in delight, eyes darting back and forth between Don and the water with a childlike grin.

Don was beaming, "I thought this would be right up your alley. It's going to be a beautiful day, nice and warm, and you and I have nowhere else we need to be.''

Mikey almost squealed, divesting himself of his tunic as quickly as he could without tearing through the toggles. The second it was off he took a running leap at the pool and dove in, splashing a wave that almost reached Don where he stood laughing on the shore.

Don put down the towels where they would stay dry and went to a small wooden storage box set off to one side of the pool, opening it and pulling out a strange looking device. Mikey swam over and peered up at him from the edge, trying to figure out what he was holding.

It was a board of wood, not much wider than his feet, with two small steel spheres somehow attached to the bottom at the front and back. As he watched, Don pressed down on the back lip and some sort of long handle sprang up from a recess along the top of the board that he snapped into place with a metal clip.

Mikey climbed out of the water as Don held the contraption out to him, motioning up at the cliff. ``I designed this, so the spheres fit into the curve of the slide. It makes the trip down a little more stable, and I like to think a bit more fun. You stand on the board instead of flailing around on your shell.''

"You made this?'' He said, taking it from Don with wonder.

Don just nodded, a modest smile curving his lips. "In my spare time. I see things around the estate that can be improved and, when an idea comes to me, I just... figure out how to make it work. The blacksmith humors me, but I think he likes it because it gives him something else to do that isn't just making armor and weapons.''

Mikey was only half listening, his excited grin taking up half of his face, "I'll let you know how it works!'' He yelled over his shoulder as he ran to the rope ladder that led up to the top of the cliff.

For the rest of the morning, over and over again, he slid down into the pool on that board with elated glee. This was like nothing he had ever done before, and never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined anything so fun in the whole world.

By midday they were laid out on a particularly large rock in the center of the pool, sunning and dozing in the warmth, and Mikey was finding that he enjoyed Don's company even more than he thought he would. They played off each other's personalities with ease. Donnie's humor was clever in a book smart sort of way, that had Mikey rolling with laughter more than once.

When servants appeared with trays of food, they swam back to shore and devoured the meal, their appetites worked up from all the exercise. Laying back when they were done on a soft blanket, in the shade of a tall cherry tree, content to just rest quietly together. Maybe Don was only doing this for Leo's benefit, maybe not, but Mikey decided that whatever it was, was good enough.

And that's when he had the thought that friends were supposed to be open and honest with each other. Not that he knew a lot about what that was like but, if he was going to help, then he needed more information anyway.

"Donnie?'' Mikey said, not sure how to begin. "There's something I need to tell you.''

Donatello looked curious. "What is it?''

"Don't freak out but, when I woke up this morning, it was early, and I knew no one would be looking for me, so... I snuck out to explore the gardens. I'm sorry, I know you said I couldn't go without permission, but I was bored, and... I ended up in the hedge maze... just before dawn.''

The color drained from Donatello's face as his eyes widened and he grew very still. "What did you see?'' He choked out in an almost silent whisper.

"You and Raphael, together.'' Mikey said with determination, "But, I was only there at the beginning, I left before... anything...'' he quickly added, wanting to reassure Don that he wasn't a creep. "My point is what I did see between the two of you was so... I don't know... real? Maybe that's not the right word, but you should be able to be together. I want to help.''

Tears were gathering in Don's eyes and he sniffed, quickly looking around to make sure they were alone, even though of course they were, and the sound from the waterfall muffled their voices so even if someone was near, their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

Still, Don grew agitated, rising to his feet with a frown. He paced a little, his arms wrapping around his middle. Finally, he stopped and looked desperately at Mikey, pleading with his eyes, "You can't tell anyone about what you saw.''

"I know.'' Mikey quickly asserted, rising to his feet as well.

"We always try to be so careful...'' A small bit of anger seemed to flash in Don's eyes. "But it's been so long since the last time we were able to sneak away like that.''

"It's ok, Donnie, I won't say anything to anyone. But what can I do? There has to be something I can do. If Leo and I...''

He started to say it automatically, wanting only to calm his friend without really thinking about the consequences of the statement. But before he could finish the sentence, Don turned on him with a look so piercing that his voice died in his throat.

"No!'' He ground out through his teeth, stalking over to Mikey and grabbing both of his arms, squeezing them tightly. "No, Michelangelo look at me. You cannot bond with Leo for my sake or Raph's. Do you understand? We won't let you do that.''

"But Don, you...''

"No, Mikey!'' His voice was emphatic and undeniable even as it shook. "No.''

"Ok. Ok, Donnie...'' Mikey whispered, "I'm sorry.... but what can I do?''

Donatello sighed and let go of Mikey's arms, walking over and dropping back to the blanket. "You don't have to do anything, just... maybe just, give Leo a chance. Get to know him and see if maybe... but you need to do it for you. It has to be what you want.''

Don rubbed his face, releasing a frustrated growl into his fingers. "And don't think that we haven't had this same conversation with Leo a million times already. He means everything to Raphael and me and we will never allow him to sacrifice his happiness for our sake, no matter how long it takes.''

Mikey walked over and sank down to his knees next to Don, curious at the statement. "Would he... do that?''

"Yes.'' Don said with laughing conviction. "Leonardo is far too selfless for his own good. We've had to stop him three separate times from sealing bonds with people he had only just met because he wanted 'to do the right thing' for us. Raph lives in constant fear that one day he won't be able to stop Leo before he 'does somethin' stupid' as he loves to say.''

Don's voice dipped down into a perfect imitation of Raphael and Mikey would have laughed if the conversation hadn't turned so serious.

"Raphael and I are fine.'' Don finally said. "Nothing can break what we have together. All we want is for Leo to be able to know love the same as we do.''

"Now who's being selfless?'' Mikey chuckled. And Don laughed, and sniffed, and gave him a thankful grin.

Then Mikey wondered, "Maybe this is a stupid question but, have you tried... talking to Lord Hamato? I can't see how anyone who sees the two of you together could say no. I mean, what's the worst he can do?''

"Banish me.'' Donatello whispered, looking down at his hands twisting in his lap. "Raphael has tried to speak to his father about his stance on this. It quickly turns into a shouting match with Lord Hamato insisting that Raph, that both of them, need to focus on their duties and not let anything distract them from their responsibilities to the clan. The argument always ends with him making the threat that should Raph defy his order then he would remove the distraction from the estate without hesitation.''

"That's... harsh.'' Mikey said.

"I will not be separated from him.'' Don said with resolve.

"And you shouldn't have to be!'' Mikey insisted. "But this doesn't make any sense. If he's trying to keep them focused on the clan, then why am I here?''

"I don't know...'' Donatello sighed with exasperation. "I wish I did. Lord Hamato is... a complicated man with a tragic past, and I think that influences his actions a lot more than even Raph and Leo realize.

"What could be so tragic that he would block his own son's happiness like this?'' Mikey asked.

Don took a deep breath and heavily sighed, looking like he hadn't expected to have this conversation so soon, but was resigned to it anyway. He stood and motioned for Mikey to follow him.

The garden cove with the waterfall pool was located on a natural terrace set into the side of the mountain and Don brought them to the western side of the clearing where there was a break in the tall hedges that enclosed the glade for privacy. There they sat on a small marble bench that overlooked a sprawling, brightly colored garden filled with Ume trees and towering sunflowers. A delicate stone path twisted through a blanket of vibrant blue morning glory and warm magenta carnations, dotted here and there with patches of tall lavender swaying side to side in the breeze.

"Do you see her, there?'' Don asked, pointing down into the garden.

It was impossible to miss her. The gleaming marble statue dominated the space and was obviously tenderly cared for. Not a single flower or leaf surrounding her plinth was out of place, and she was radiant in the sun. A young woman standing graceful in an elegant, intricately detailed kimono, with a delicate parasol resting against her polished shoulder.

"Her name was Tang Shen,'' Don began in a sad voice, "And she was beautiful and clever and Hamato Yoshi fell in love with her the instant their eyes met. When their bonding was sealed it is said that the entire estate glowed with the power of their love.''

Mikey could already tell this was not going to be a happy story, but he asked anyway. "What happened to her?''

"Not long after their bonding they learned that she was carrying their first child. They were incredibly happy, and she immediately expressed her desire to travel to her family's village to tell her parents herself, she wanted to see their joy.

Lord Hamato didn't want her to go as there were rumors that bandits had taken control of the pass through the mountains and he couldn't go with her as he was hosting negotiations between two rival clans at the time. But she insisted, reassuring him that she would take her elite guard with her and would be perfectly safe. He reluctantly agreed, sending word ahead to her family that she would be coming and sent her off the next morning.''

"Did the bandits...?'' Mikey asked with apprehension.

"No. It wasn't the bandits. An unexpected storm suddenly rolled over the mountain and a flash flood tore through the canyon she was crossing through. When she didn't arrive at her family home that evening her father sent out a search party. They found her trapped within the remains of the carriage, the guard unit accompanying her had been completely swept away.

When Lord Hamato finally learned what had happened they say his anguished cry was enough to break every heart within ten miles of the estate. He locked himself behind these walls and refused to leave for almost ten years. He blamed himself for her death and grew bitter and angry and withdrawn, and I don't believe that even adopting Leonardo and Raphael has ever eased his suffering.''

"That's terrible.'' Mikey said softly, staring down at the statue.

"In a way, I understand him. When I first met Raphael, it was like... I was feeling the warmth of the sun for the first time. To exist in this world without him would be pain beyond anything I can imagine, and we aren't even bonded.''

Don looked over at Mikey with an almost defeated smile, like he expected this limbo he existed in to be the rest of his life.

Mikey frowned in frustration, shaking his head. "I'm going to figure this out, Donnie. I promise you that.''

Concern gathered in those dark brown eyes, "We are not your responsibility, Michelangelo. None of this is.''

"Maybe not,'' Mikey said, shrugging his shoulders. "But I'm involved now. I don't usually face problems head on like this, and maybe it helps that it's not actually my problem to deal with. Maybe...'' He looked at Donatello with a conviction he had never felt before, understanding washing over him like a wave. "Maybe, I'm here to learn how to stop running. Maybe helping you and Raph and Leo is what I need to teach me... how to stay in one place.''

He offered a smile that might have looked more confident then he felt, but it seemed to soothe Don's agitation because the olive turtle reached out and grasped his fingers tightly, giving them a grateful squeeze.

"You're a good person, Mikey. And maybe you're right. I don't know if anything will change, but, for what it's worth, I'm glad you're here.''

A feeling of comfort spread through Mikey that he hadn't felt since he was small, and his grandmother would hold him close against her and sing her soft songs in his ear.

Fully committing to this chosen path, Mikey stood with an energized bounce to his step, gabbing Don and pulling him to his feet. "Come on, Donnie! The day is young, and the fun isn't over yet!''

The weight of this place and what it was turning out to be was still heavy, but there was joy here too, if he looked hard enough, and he was determined to find a way for everyone to bask in it.

~*~*~*~

tbc...
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